Atraphaxis spinosa

Atraphaxis spinosa is a low shrub in the Polygonaceae family. It sheds its leaves for winter and spreads outwards. Kew gives its native range as eastern European Russia to Mongolia and Pakistan. Plants For A Future also lists countries in southwest Asia and Egypt. It grows on dry grassland, desert slopes, and roadsides. It also occurs along the edges of farmed land. In northern China, records place it at elevations of 1,312–5,906 feet [400–1,800 metres].

The RHS describes a sprawling plant with thin, branched stems. Spines often form at the stem tips. Its account gives a height of about 2 feet [0.6 metres]. The spread reaches about 4 feet [1.2 metres]. Its wider garden size range reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Width ranges from 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. The plant takes five to ten years to mature. Small leaves have an oval or round shape. Their blue-green colour contrasts with the tiny summer flowers. These flowers range from white to pink and grow in small groups.

Give this shrub full sun and soil that drains well. The RHS lists both sandy soil and loam as suitable. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Listed moisture conditions range from dry to moist, with good drainage essential. Sites may face east, south, or west. Either an exposed or sheltered site can suit it. The RHS rates it H5 for UK conditions. This covers winter lows of 5–14°F [-15 to -10°C]. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9.

Its low, spreading shape suits rock gardens and stony banks. The RHS also suggests slopes, cottage gardens, and informal beds. It lists the shrub as a low-maintenance choice. To limit its spread, trim branch tips in spring. Do this only every second or third year. Grow new plants from seed, softwood cuttings, or layers. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

Plants For A Future records an edible, pale yellow-white, manna-like substance from the plant. People eat this material or use it to make sweets. This use does not establish that other plant parts are edible. The same source lists no known hazards. That statement does not confirm safety for pets or every use. It records no known medicinal uses or other practical uses.